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Mary Christensen Obituary
April 15, 1959 - April 22, 2013
Mary Kay Christensen, 54 of Nampa, Idaho, passed away Monday, April 22, 2013, peacefully at home of natural causes. Memorial services will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Dakan Funeral Chapel on Saturday, April 27, 2013. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.dakanfuneralchapel.com.
Mary Kay was born in Dickinson, North Dakota, on April 15, 1959, to Raymond and Geneva Schnell. She was the fourth of five children: older brothers Gary and Don, older sister Peggy, and younger sister Sheila.
Mary Kay met Ron Christensen in high school and married soon after in October, 1977. From this marriage came four children, twelve home towns, countless hands of rummy, and a reliable supply of coffee and cookies.
Mary Kay was a passionate and dedicated mom. Her creativity and thoughtfulness are rooted deeply in the characters, personalities, and humor of her kids. She was also a homemaker and attentive hostess. Anyone who came to her colorful home experienced the details with which she cared for people. In recent years she used all these gifts as a grandmother.
Mary Kay's childhood in western North Dakota and her family's involvement in the livestock industry gave her a lasting connection to the state's culture and landscape. She was a North Dakota girl no matter where she roamed. She was also a chronicler of family lore - a reliable source when it came to laughter and reminiscing.
Mary Kay is survived by her parents, Raymond and Geneva; husband, Ron; son, Jared (Sara); daughters, Emily (Tim), Rachel (Alex), and Abby; brothers, Gary and Don; sisters, Peggy and Sheila; and grandchildren, Noah, Lucy, Miles, Alma, Kate, and Jasper, with another on the way.
Mary Kay was a light to the people who knew her. Her steadfast faith in Christ helped many others to be strong. She will be missed.
Gifts in her memory can be made to Home on the Range 16351 I-94
Sentinel Butte, ND 58654 or www.hotrnd.com; or Love, INC, 16446 Franklin Rd, Nampa, ID 83687 or www.loveinctv.org.
… but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
- Isaiah 40:31
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Christensen
Jane Milner
April 30, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ron, and you're family. We are so sorry!! May God bless you and strengthen you thru this sad time. We are certain that Mary Kay is rejoicing in heaven, with aunt Margaret, uncle Pete, Jim, and grandpa and grandma Dire. We love you!! The Dire family!!
Sheila Gilbertson
April 29, 2013
It's hard to know what to say about my big sister Mary Kay. She was gifted in so many ways and I hope I can become a better person because of her. May she rest in God's hands!
Toni Islas
April 29, 2013
I met Mary Kay at work. She was a wonderful woman and such an encouragement. I loved working with her and was so sad to see her leave that job. You could always get a hug or smile from her. I will miss her dearly and all of her wonderful updates on FB. My prayers are with her family as they adjust to life with out their Mother, wife, grandma, and friend. She will forever hold a special spot in my memory. Love and Prayers.
Donna
April 28, 2013
Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Blessings to the family
Joel & Betsy Howard
April 27, 2013
...Mary Kay was one of those persons that will remain with us all. We feel honored to be with her for such a short time. Our thoughts & prayers will be for strength in the days ahead. We love you guys!
Sarah Baca-Schneider
April 27, 2013
Mary Kay welcomed & encouraged me to check out Boise in 2011...I wish we would of had more time to laugh and go thrift store shopping and sip great cups of coffee on her front porch. She had such a light & presence about her that so many were drawn to, I shall remember her forever. Ron, you and the family are all in my prayers.
Bonnie Arriola
April 26, 2013
She inspired, she encouraged, she made life enjoyable. Forever a part of my heart.
Warren and Amy Kratzer
April 26, 2013
We did not know Mary Kay but she sounds a lot like her sister, Peggy, whom we do know. Very kind, loved her family, had many friends, fun loving, hospitable and many other things. We sympathize with you and your extended family, Peggy. With our love and prayers, Warren and Amy Kratzer
Cathy Moore
April 26, 2013
Mary Kay was one of my closest friends, ever. God brought us together thru a phone call in 1987, and in 2013, a phone call from Ron told me the shocking news of her passing on to eternity. So many memories of her and all the family...home videos of our kids together...pictures of trips to see each other...shopping, Bible Studies...God was so gracious in sharing this godly woman with me. She came to see me when I had cancer, and oh, how I wanted to do the same for her. Of all the things I could say about Mary Kay, there is actually someone who does it much better! The Proverbs 31 woman is a perfect description of her. Who can read these verses and not see Mary Kay with her smile, encouragement, kindness and testimony of her Savior! How blessed we are to have been given this wonderful gift of friendship! Love & prayers to all the family!
Susie Lefor
April 26, 2013
The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Mary Kay, is her infectious smile and vibrant personality. Very saddened to hear her news...but at the same time I can smile thinking of how she lived her life...to the fullest!! It appears to me that she made the most of her "dash"...1959 - 2013!
Liz Springer
April 25, 2013
Mary kay was a creative, articulate, intelligent woman. I am thankful to have had her as my friend and to be in Core Group Bible fellowship with her for nearly three years. She inspired me to take up quilting, which has been a great joy. I'll miss you, Mary Kay!
Susan Cook
April 25, 2013
Mary Kay was such a fun and caring spirit that loved & welcomed so many. Ron, to you and the family we lift you up knowing God has you in His arms of peace and comfort. In Christ,Susan and Kelly Cook
Jack & Trish Butsch
April 25, 2013
We are so saddened by her early passing. We grieve with you and pray the Lord will give you strength and comfort through this difficult time. God bless you.
Lauren Franzen
April 25, 2013
Such a beautiful and well-lived life that will continue to thrive in the hearts of her family. Our most sincere prayers are with you all.
Gordon & Sandee Schnell
April 25, 2013
Mary Kay was such a wonderful and upbeat person. She will be sorely missed by all of her family and friends. Hugs to all of you. We loved
"Geneva's kid". God Bless.
Terri Bogue
April 25, 2013
Fond memories of Mary Kay and her family when she started the "babysitting co-op"in Winchester. A great Lady! Thankfull to have known her.
Melissa Hund-Cerna
April 25, 2013
Her smile fits perfectly with all of the stories we've been told about her life. May the beautiful story of her life and death be shared so that others might be brought closer to God as she desired.
April 25, 2013
May God grant your family a peace that only He can give at this time.
Chris & Jr. Byrd & Family
Vereen Family
April 25, 2013
May God bless you and your family in your time of need.
Sophie Makanoff
April 25, 2013
Are thoughts and prayers are with your wonderful family.
Natalie Leonard
April 25, 2013
I always enjoyed running into Mary Kay in Nampa and was blessed to have been able to run into her the last time I visited.
Brian and Renee' Obermueller
April 24, 2013
God bless you and your family Ron. You are all in our prayers.
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